LeBron James Becomes Free Agent
Lakers star LeBron James has opted out of his contract to become a free agent. He can re-sign with the Lakers for a maximum of three years and $164 million. However, LeBron plans to take a pay cut of at least $20 million to help the Lakers create full mid-level exception space. His first target is Klay Thompson, and the Lakers have offered a $20 million annual salary.
Klay Thompson Chooses Mavericks
Despite LeBron’s efforts, Thompson opted for a sign-and-trade deal with the Warriors, agreeing to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks. ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that LeBron called Thompson at the start of free agency, but the Warriors were not interested in the Lakers’ offer involving D’Angelo Russell. Instead, they negotiated a multi-team trade with the Hornets and Mavericks, securing two second-round picks from Dallas. Thompson was attracted to the Mavericks’ championship potential and took a pay cut to help them manage their $175 million team salary.
Lakers’ Other Targets
With Thompson off the table, the Lakers are now targeting 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan, who just completed a three-year contract with the Bulls.
Clippers Retain Harden, Plan to Trade Westbrook
The Clippers have re-signed James Harden with a two-year, $70 million contract and plan to trade guard Russell Westbrook. After losing their title defense to the Timberwolves, the Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Westbrook. Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has been eager to team up with him. Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option for the final season, and the Clippers prefer to trade him to an Eastern Conference team, depending on the Nuggets’ offer.
Summary of Key Transactions
| Player | Team | Contract Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | Free Agent | Up to 3 years, $164 million | Plans to take $20 million pay cut |
| Klay Thompson | Mavericks | 3 years, $50 million | Sign-and-trade with Warriors |
| DeMar DeRozan | Lakers Target | N/A | Free agent after 3 years with Bulls |
| James Harden | Clippers | 2 years, $70 million | Re-signed |
| Russell Westbrook | Trade Candidate | Exercised $4 million option | Clippers prefer Eastern Conference team |
The NBA free agency period is in full swing, with teams making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. LeBron James and the Lakers are adjusting their plans, while other teams like the Clippers and Nuggets navigate their own player transactions.(747Live)
